SIX REVELATORY TRUTHS GOD GIVES US:

I – REVELATION OF GOD’S INSPIRED TITLE TO THIS BOOK OF PROPHECY – v.1a

Revelation 1:1a “The Revelation of Jesus Christ,”

Apocalipsis 1:1a “Ang apocalipsis ni Jesu-Cristo,” FILIPINO VERSION

Here, God reveals His inspired title to the book. The book opens with the title, or inscription.

There are several inscriptions to this book: The Revelation of John; The Revelation of John the divine; The Revelation of John the divine and evangelist; The Revelation of John, the apostle and evangelist; The Revelation of the holy and glorious apostle and evangelist, the beloved virgin John, the divine, which he saw on the island of Patmos; The Revelation of Jesus Christ, given to John the divine (that appellation, the divine, was not brought into the church, much less was it affixed to John the apostle, till long after the apostolic age, a title added in latter ages).

The last book of the Bible begins with its own title, and the title is seen in the opening part of verse 1, “The Revelation of Jesus Christ” or transliterated “The apocalypse of Jesus Christ” (Αποκαλυψις Ιησου Χριστου). That means Revelation of the future.

Five Grammatical observations concerning the phrase “The Revelation of Jesus Christ”:

A. No article "the" before the noun Revelation in the original.

Most English translation open the book by adding the article “The” – “The Revelation of Jesus Christ” (KJV, NASV, ESV, NET, NIV, NKJV, ASV, RSV, and most of the translations. However, the Greek texts (UBS and Textus Receptus) do not actually have an article “the” in their introduction and the text should read “A Revelation of Jesus Christ.

In Greek, when you do not have an article before a noun (anarthrous construction), the emphasis is to the character and quality of something (A Manual Grammar of the Greek New Testament, page 149, by Dana and Mantey).

This is remarkable and worthy of attention because this interpretation emphasizes that everything about the character and quality of Jesus Christ will be revealed in this book of Revelation. The Lord Jesus Christ will be exalted and His character and quality will be entirely and beautifully revealed in the entire book of Revelation.

B. Noun "revelation" means to reveal the hidden something.

The actual noun “revelation” means to reveal or unveil or uncover something that was previously hidden, covered or concealed. The unveiling of the future.

John the writer of this final book of the Bible only used the Greek word “revelation” one time which is here in Revelation 1:1, but this Greek word “revelation occurs only 18 times in the New Testament. Luke used it 1 time (Luke 2:32); Paul used it 13 times (Romans 2:5; Romans 8:19; Romans 16:25; I Corinthians 1:7; I Corinthians 14:6, I Corinthians 14:26; II Corinthians 12:1, II Corinthians 12:7; Galatians 1:12; Galatians 2:2; Ephesians 1:17; Ephesians 3:3; II Thessalonians 1:7); and Peter used it 3 times (I Peter 1:7, I Peter 1:13; I Peter 4:13).

Now, the actual word “apocalypse” comes from two Greek words:

1. The preposition “apo” (απο) which means to motion that moves away from an object

2. The verb “calypto” ((καλυπτω) which means to veil, conceal or cover something.

When these two words are combined to form one word, the meaning is to move away (apo) the covered or concealed veil (calypto). Our word “apocalypse literally means, a revelation, or uncovering of what was concealed or concealed. Thus, the book of Revelation is not to be a book of secret codes but it is to be a book that is clearly understood. When we just use the word Revelation (apocalypse) means it is supposed to be clearly understood.

It is a revelation of a living person, the Lord Jesus Christ; Revelation is not the dull, dead onward flow of circumstances, but the lives of men and nations are clearly seen in the light of Christ who is the light of every man and the life of all history; and therefore, we learn that “only a living person can be the Alpha and Omega, the starting-point of creation and its final rest.” The testimony of Jesus is the spirit of this prophecy, as of all other prophecies.

We wonder why when some Christian say they did not understand the book of Revelation, since this book of Revelation was a book supposed to be clearly understood. The purpose of God for the book of Revelation is not to conceal or cover the future but to unveil the future.

C. Not plural but singular is the word “Revelation.”

We notice that the word “revelation” is singular and not plural.

Although we often hear people call this book “Revelations”, however the grammatical fact is that it is one single “revelation.” We must understand that this is one single prophetic book, which God His church to understand that the book of revelation as one complete single unit in its entirety.

God’s church should understand this whole book of Revelation prophetically as God expects. God wants us, as His church to understand this prophecy as a unit, flowing out of the end of the Church Age, at the Rapture into the Great Tribulation on into the Millennium and then to the New Heaven, New Earth and New Jerusalem. This book of Revelation made us to realize that God has a prophetic plan for us as His church, for the whole Nations, and for Israel His chosen nation.

D. No other than Jesus Christ as the source and object of the Revelation."

Actually, the source and object of the “revelation” is Jesus Christ. This book is the Revelation of Jesus Christ; the whole Bible is so; for all revelation comes through Christ, and all relates to Jesus Christ.

We observed that it is the revelation “of Jesus Christ.” The actual Greek construction “of Jesus Christ” is a genitive case construction. The book of Revelation is all about revealing Jesus Christ (objective genitive = Jesus Christ receives the action) at the same time the book of revelation is a book in which Jesus Christ is revealing everything that will happen (subjective genitive = Jesus Christ produces the action). The book of revelation is all about revealing Jesus Christ and Jesus is revealing everything that will happen in the future. Therefore, Revelation reveals amazing prophetic truth about Jesus Christ and also reveals amazing prophetic things directly from Jesus Christ (Revelation 19:10 “the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.”).

The anarthrous (without an article) construction of the name Jesus is unusually highly used (Revelation 1:1, 9, 9; Revelation 12:17; Revelation 14:12; Revelation 17:6; Revelation 19:10, 10; Revelation 20:4; Revelation 22:16). This fact clearly proves that everything in this book reflecting the character and quality of Jesus Christ.

The gospels record Jesus Christ first advent in the flesh; the Acts record His coming in the Spirit; the letters are the inspired comment on them. The Apocalypse is of Jesus Christ second advent, and the preliminary events.

We must be aware that the Revelation is not a book that is “the Revelation of the Apocalypse” or “the Revelation of Armageddon” or “the Revelation of the Great Tribulation” or “the Revelation of the Antichrist” or “the Revelation of John,” it is the “Revelation of Jesus Christ.”

The Book of Revelation will reveal some amazing things about Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ will be seen as Savior, as God, as Israel’s Messiah, as King of kings. This Revelation is about Jesus Christ and from Jesus Christ. The source and the object of the revelation is Jesus Christ.

The book of Revelation gives us the last word on Christ and the word is that Christ is center and at the center. Without Christ as the controlling center, the Bible is just like encyclopedia of religion.

E. Name Jesus Christ is double in order and is only found in Chapter 1 (Revelation 1:1,2,5).

Revelation 1:1,2,5 “The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John: ²Who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw. ⁵And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,”

The double name order in this opening verse is Jesus Christ and it is only found in chapter 1.

Significantly, when we track the name “Jesus” through the book of Revelation, discover that John uses the name 14 times (Revelation 1:1, 2, 5, 9, 9; Revelation 12:17; Revelation 14:12; Revelation 17:6; Revelation 19:10, 10; Revelation 20:4; Revelation 22:16, 20, 21). On the other hand, when we track the name “Christ” through the book of Revelation, we discover that John uses that name 8 times (Revelation 1:1, 2, 5; Revelation 11:15; Revelation 12:10; Revelation 20:4, 6; Revelation 22:21). When we track the name “Lord Jesus” through the book of Revelation, we discover that John uses this combination or this double name 2 times (Revelation 22:20, 21 “He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus. ²¹The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.”).

The combination “Jesus Christ” (Ιησου Χριστου) is used only in three verses of chapter 1, Revelation 1:1,2,5. Now, the question is why? It does have significant? Why does John the apostle open the book with this combination and then never use it again? The answer is due to a proper chronology and theology in the Christological future program of God.

The noun “Jesus” refers to the fact the He is the Savior and the noun “Christ” refers to the fact the He is the Jewish Messiah. The word order means that Jesus Christ is the Savior Messiah.

Now, John uses this double name order in verse 1 is because John the writer is informing the Church that the program of God in the Church age is primarily aimed at saving and developing Gentiles and then it will swing back to Israel. This is exactly how the book of Revelation unfolds, and the church is gone by chapter 4 and as the book of Revelation moves on the emphasis moves toward Israel (Revelation 7:4-8). As the book continues to move toward its conclusion, the emphasis is on the noun “Christ” (Revelation 11:15 “The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.”; Revelation 12:10 “and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.”; Revelation 20: 4,6 “and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years. ⁶Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.”), who is Israel’s Messiah, who will reign.

William Graham Scroggie reveals that In 1522, Martin Luther said one reason he shed away from Revelation was because he felt that it was not focused enough on Jesus Christ (The Great Unveiling, page 43). It is indeed confusing that Martin Luther could have concluded this statement because in Revelation, Jesus Christ is exalted by His names as in no other book in the entire Bible.

Let us take a look at some instances:

1. The faithful witness – Revelation 1:5

2. The firstborn of the dead – Revelation 1:5

3. The ruler of the kings of the earth – Revelation 1:5

4. The Alpha and the Omega – Revelation 1:8

5. The Lord God who is and who was and who is to come – Revelation 1:8

6. The Almighty – Revelation 1:8

7. The son of man – Revelation 1:13

8. The first and the last – Revelation 1:17

9. The living One – Revelation 1:18

10. The One with the keys of death and hell – Revelation 1:18

11. The One who holds the seven angels in His right hand - Revelation 2:1; Revelation 1:20

12. The One who walks in the midst of the seven churches – Revelation 2:1; Revelation 1:20

13. The One who has a sharp two-edged sword – Revelation 2:12

14. The Son of God – Revelation 2:18

15. The One who has eyes like a flame of fire and feet like burnished bronze – Revelation 2:18

16. The One who has the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars – Revelation 3:1

17. He who is holy – Revelation 3:7

18. He who is true – Revelation 3:7

19. He who has the key of David and who can open doors no one can shut and shut doors no one can open – Revelation 3:7

20. The Amen - Revelation 3:14

21. The faithful and true Witness - Revelation 3:14

22. The Beginning of the creation of God – Revelation 3:14

23. The Lion of the tribe of Judah – Revelation 5:5

24. The Root of David – Revelation 5:5; Revelation 22:16

25. The Lamb. (Revelation 5:6, 8, 12, 13; Revelation 6:1 and elsewhere 28 times)

26. The Lord, holy and true – Revelation 6:10

27. King of nations – Revelation 15:3

28. Lord God, the Almighty – Revelation 15:3

29. The Word of God – Revelation 19:13

30. King of Kings and Lord of Lords – Revelation 19:16

31. The bright and morning star – Revelation 22:16

32. Lord Jesus – Revelation 22:20, 21

In the book of Revelation, the names used for Jesus Christ are majestic, which we could not find in the whole Scripture.

      - - - - - Continuation - Part 2 - - - - -

II – REVELATION ON THE PROCESS OF HOW WE GOT THIS BOOK OF PROPHECY – v.1b

Revelation 1:1b “which God gave unto him,”

Apocalipsis 1:1b “na ibinigay ng Diyos sa kanya” FILIPINO VERSION

God reveals the process of how we got Revelation.

Here it is said that this revelation, or discovery of hidden things, was given by GOD to Jesus Christ; that CHRIST gave it to His angel from Him; that this ANGEL showed it to John; and that JOHN sent him to the CHURCHES.

Thus, we find that the revelation came from God to Christ, from Christ to the angel, from the angel to John, and from John to the Church. It is properly, therefore, the Revelation of God, sent by these several agents to his servants in general; and this is the process how we got this prophetical book.

Revelation 1:1b “which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John."

Not only God wants us all to know that He gave us this prophetic book of Revelation, but God wants us to know how exactly we got this book. We can see in this first verse, the process in getting this book of Revelation.

A. The Giving of the whole revelation by God the Father to God the Son, Jesus Christ – v.1b

Revelation 1:1b “which God gave unto him,”

Apocalipsis 1:1b “na ibinigay ng Diyos sa kanya” FILIPINO VERSION

The Father gives this to the Son whom He loves, and shows the Son all things that Himself doeth.

The Son receives revelation from the Father (John 7:16 “Jesus answered them, and said, My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me.”). God the Father gave unto His Son Jesus Christ, according to his holy, glorified humanity, as the great Prophet of the church. God gave the revelation to Jesus Christ, Jesus Christ made it known to his servants.

Though Christ is himself God, and has light and life in himself, yet, as Mediator between God and man, Jesus Christ receives instructions from the God the Father. We owe to Christ the knowledge of what we are to expect from God, and what God expects from us.

B. The Giving of the whole revelation by God the Son to one of His angels – v.1c

Revelation 1:1c “and he sent and signified it by his angel”

Apocalipsis 1:1C “at kanyang ipinaalam ito sa pamamagitan ng mga sagisag at pagsusugo ng kanyang anghel” FILIPINO VERSION

In the expressions of this prophetical book, everything is called an angel that notifies a message from God, or executes His will; a prophetic dream is an angel; the pillar of fire, which went before the Israelites, is called God's angel.

The winds, and flames of fire, are angels to us, when used by God as voices to teach, or rods to punish us: so it is properly said that God reveal by his angel, what he makes known either by voice, by dream, by vision, or any other manner of true prophetic revelation.

1. This is part of the responsibility of the angel of the Lord Jesus was to show all of these prophetic things of the future to John the apostle and to other God’s prophets. – Revelation 22:8-9

Revelation 22:8-9 “And I John saw these things, and heard them. And when I had heard and seen, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel which shewed me these things. ⁹Then saith he unto me, See thou do it not: for I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren the prophets, and of them which keep the sayings of this book: worship God.”

2. This was own personal angel of Christ. – Revelation 22:16

Revelation 22:16 “I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star.”

The angels play a key role in the church and all through the program of God, especially will play an important role in the prophecies of Revelation. There is no revelatory angels that are operative today. There was no revelatory angel has come to reveal things that will happen in the future to man after this book of revelation has completely written.

C. The Giving of the whole revelation by Christ personal angel to Apostle John – v.1d; Revelation 22:6-8

Revelation 1:1d “by his angel unto his servant John”

Apocalipsis 1:1d “at pagsusugo ng kanyang anghel sa kanyang aliping si Juan” FILIPINO VERSION

Revelation 22:6-8 “And he said unto me, These sayings are faithful and true: and the Lord God of the holy prophets sent his angel to shew unto his servants the things which must shortly be done. ⁷Behold, I come quickly: blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book. ⁸And I John saw these things, and heard them. And when I had heard and seen, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel which shewed me these things.”

There will be times when Jesus Christ will speak directly to John, particularly in chapter 1 (Revelation 1:11, 17-20 “Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches”¹⁷ saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last: ¹⁸I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore,” ¹⁹Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter; ²⁰ seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand ”). In these instances, Christ will show directly to John future things not vis His angel.

Christ’s own personal angel becomes so vital in revealing coming things to John is because once John is able to see prophecy taking place in the future, Jesus Christ is preoccupied with everything that is taking place. One example of this, logically when John is given the ability to see Jesus Christ open a scroll that begins the judgments of God on earth (Revelation 5:7 “And He came and took the book out of the right hand of Him that sat upon the throne”; Revelation 6:1 “And I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals, and I heard, as it were the noise of thunder, one of the four beasts saying, Come and see.” ), that would stop Jesus Christ and take time to ask John if he were getting all of this for the sake of the complete and precise written record of the prophecy.

The announcement that the purpose of the book is to record a revelation that the Lord Jesus Christ had made of important events that were shortly to occur, and that they were represented by an angel to John, the writer, Revelation 1:1. A blessing is pronounced on those who read and understand it and explain it, and on those who will hear and pay special attention to it because the time was drawing near when the predicted events would occur or fulfilled.

So, this own personal angel of Christ became a vital link to being involved in showing John of these coming events that will happen.

D. The Giving of God’s whole revelation that John wrote for the people and churches of God – v.1e, 11; Revelation 2-3; Revelation 22:16

Revelation 1:1e “his servant John:”

Apocalipsis 1:1e “sa kanyang aliping si Juan” FILIPINO VERSION

Revelation 1:11 “ Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea.”

Revelation 22:16 “I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star.”

The Apostle John wrote the entire revelation for God’s people and God’s Churches.

God is the author of the book of Revelation precisely, and John is the writer but not the author of the Apocalypse, but John is the one person singled out by God, from all others, to write the final book of the bible, the Revelation. That is why the title should be: "The revelation of Jesus Christ according to John"; not “from John”.

Those who have been nearest to God learn most of His will. Such are friends, as in the Old Testament to Abraham, the friend of God, and to Daniel, a man greatly beloved, so in the New Testament to the disciple who leaned on Jesus’ bosom, the apostle John, are shown the things which God was about to do.

John was one who was of the same spirit as his Master. John lived in very intimate communion with his Lord, and, therefore, to John the choicest revelations were made. The Lord does not reveal His secret to uncongenial minds. Any Believer that will do God’s will shall know of the doctrine, and that believer shall know all secret things. Oh! if we Christians lived nearer to God, if we walked more in the love of Christ, how much more we Christians might know and see; or, if we saw not visions like what John has saw, yet there are inward perceptions to the heart which God would grant us if Brethren in Christ lived more in the light of the sight of Christ.

Obviously, God wants us to understand that every word of the book of Revelation came from God via this process. God uses a man to pen the prophecy God wants us to know. God will powerfully bless any church, if this book of Revelation is systematically, accurately and carefully studied in every church.

The Gentile church needs to be roused from her tendency to make this transitory world her home, by the nearness of Christ's advent. Revelation 22:10 saith, "the time is at hand." On the other hand, the succession of seals, etc., shows that many events must first elapse.

III – REVELATION OF GOD’S PURPOSE FOR THIS BOOK OF PROPHECY – v.1c-e

Revelation 1:1c “to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass;”

Apocalipsis 1:1c “upang ipahayag sa kanyang mga alipin ang mga bagay na kinakailangang mangyari sa madaling panahon,” FILIPINO VERSION

Here is now the truth that God reveals His purpose of Revelation.

God plainly states that the purpose of this book is “to show to His bond-servants, the things which must shortly take place.”

Several key points of observation to see the Purpose of God:

A. The Book of Revelation must be seen, known and understood in its entirety – v.1c

Revelation 1:1c “to shew”

Apocalipsis 1:1c “upang ipahayag” FILIPINO VERSION

It is God’s intent that the book of Revelation be seen and known and understood in its entirety.

The infinitive “to shew” or “to show” comes from a verb (deixai) which means to show something in the sense of an exhibition of something so it may be clearly seen, known and proved. The aorist tense of the infinitive means that this was to be one great showing. This means, God certainly does not want this book of revelation be sealed from understanding (Revelation 22:10 “And he saith unto me, Seal not the sayings of the prophecy of this book: for the time is at hand.”). That is why the purpose of God why He gave the book of Revelation in order to be clearly understood and defended in its entirety. All to prophecies in this book are to be understood as contributing to one entire prophetic book.

Its principal subject is to discover the purposes of God concerning the affairs of the church, and of the nations as connected therewith, to the end of the world.

The peculiar design of this book of Revelation is, to show the things which must come to pass. And this we are specially to have before our eyes whenever we read or hear it.

B. The Book of Revelation must be understood by God’s servants – v.1d

Revelation 1:1d “unto his servants”

Apocalipsis 1:1d “sa kanyang mga alipin” FILIPINO VERSION

The words, “unto his servants” means not solely or only to "His servant John."

It is God’s intent that the book of Revelation be understood by His servants.

Some interpreted the term “servants” δούλοις (doulois – G1401) or “bond-servants” NASB, refers to a special group of believers like the prophets. However, in view of the fact that it is written to the seven churches and is to be understood in those churches, we believe that Revelation is written for the New Testament believer.

It is clear that it is not God’s intention that everybody in the world will grasp the book of Revelation, but it is God’s strong desire that every true believer and every true servant of God must know and understand the prophecy in this book of Revelation. The actual word “servant” or “bond-servant” means to be subject to someone and bound to them. This book of Revelation that contained the prophecy concerning the things to come and the things that soon will happen will actually move God’s people to be more and more subject to Jesus Christ, by recognizing all what Christ has done and all things Christ’s intended to do.

Notice the words “to shew unto his servants,” or “to show to His bond-servants” NASB; It is a great thing to be a servant of Jesus Christ. This book is dedicated particularly to the servants of Christ in the seven churches in Asia; but not exclusive of all his other servants, in all nations and ages. It is one single revelation, and yet sufficient for them all, from the time it was written to the end of the world. Serve thou the Lord Jesus Christ in truth. So shalt thou learn his secret in this book.

C. The Book of Revelation made the people of God realize things will soon happen. – v.1e

Revelation 1:1e “things which must shortly come to pass; “

Apocalipsis 1:1e “ang mga bagay na kinakailangang mangyari sa madaling panahon,” FILIPINO VERSION

Watch out, It is God’s intent that God’s people realize these things will happen “shortly.” Some versions have the word “soon” NASB, ESV, NET, NIV, NLT, RSV; it is better read “shortly” KJV, ASV, NKJV.

The term “shortly” is not, according to man's computation, near; but "shortly" corrects our estimate of worldly periods.

Notice the phrase “things which must shortly come to pass” KJV or “things which must soon take place” NASB; or “things that must soon take place” ESV, it clearly signifies the things that must happen soon. The writer expected a soon fulfillment of the prophecies. If the book was written before the destruction of Jerusalem (AD 70), and the prophecies in it relate to that destruction of Jerusalem and the civil wars among the Romans, which lasted only three or four years, then the Revelation could be said to be of things that must soon it will come to pass. But if we consider that the book refers to the state of the Church in all ages, the words here, and those of Revelation 1:3 “Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.”, this must be understood as the beginning of the events foretold; as if to say: In a short time, the train of these visions will be set in motion. And this we are to have before our eyes especially whenever we read or hear it.

The things contained in this prophecy did begin to be accomplished shortly after it was given; and the whole might be said to come to pass shortly, in the same sense as Peter says in, I Peter 4:7 " But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.” and our Lord himself says in, Revelation 22:12"And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.”

The Greek noun “shortly” is tachei (τάχει G5034) means Quickness, speed; hastily, immediately. From the same word as tachus means a brief space, as in haste. Tachei from which we get our English word tachometer. When John wrote “things which must shortly come to pass” may be understood as referring to that which will happen soon, quickly or speedily. These events would surely come to pass; and they would begin to come to pass very shortly.

The word “shortly” has to do with two things:

1. It has to do with time.

2. It has to do with speed.

We can see the illustration of this word when John wrote about how Mary responded from the call of Martha her sister which has to do with the time, in John 11:29 “As soon as she heard that, she arose quickly, and came unto him.”

The word “shortly” means that the events in Revelation would happen quickly. For example, once the tribulation begins, events will happen, events will happen very fast in time. The events in this book of Revelation are soon to happen. Time, especially in this prophetic book is from the perspective of God, from the exact plan of God. From God’s perspective these events are near, and this point teaches us the imminent nature of the predicted coming events of the future.

Revealing the things that had been veiled. A manifesto of the kingdom of Christ. The Church's travel manual for the times of Gentile Christian. Revelation is not a detailed history, but it is a representation of the great times and powers in the development of the kingdom of God in relation to the world. The historical view of the Church goes against the great principle, that Scripture interprets itself. The Book of revelation is to teach us to understand the times, not the times to interpret the Apocalypse. The book of Revelation is in a series of parallel groups, not in chronological succession. There is still an historical development of the kingdom of God. In this book, all the other books of the Bible are found. This book is the consummation or fulfillment of all previous prophecy. Daniel predicts regarding Christ and the Roman destruction of Jerusalem (that took place in AD70 when Titus surrounded and attacked the city), and the last Antichrist. But John's Revelation fills in the intervening period and describes the millennium and final state beyond Antichrist. Daniel, as a godly statesman, sees God's people in relation to the four world kingdoms. John, as an apostle, sees history from the aspect of the Christian Church. Revelation does not apply to any Old Testament book. Daniel is the closest focus to John; but what Daniel was told to seal up and shut up until the time of the end (Daniel 12:4 “But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.”), John (Revelation 22:10 “And he saith unto me, Seal not the sayings of the prophecy of this book: for the time is at hand.”), now that the time is near (Revelation 1:3 “for the time is at hand.”), turns to reveal. This revelation properly begins where Daniel ends; and both Daniel and John received their knowledge of the hidden things from Christ, and his angel.

             - - - - - Continuation - Part 3 - - - - -

IV – REVELATION OF GOD ON THE SPECIAL NATURE OF THIS BOOK OF PROPHECY – v.1f

Revelation 1:1f “and signified it”

Apocalipsis 1:1f “at kanyang ipinaalam ito sa pamamagitan ng mga sagisag” FILIPINO VERSION

God reveals the special nature of Revelation.

The word “signified” KJV, ASV, NKJV or “made it known” NIV, ESV or “communicated” NASB, is very important.

The word “signified” in Greek [ἐσήμανεν (G4591 “esēmanen” means to give a sign). From the word séma means a sign, mark]. The word literally means to give a “sign” in order to show something or indicate something (Matthew 26:28; Romans 4:11; Genesis 9:12; Genesis 17:11; Luke 2:12; 2 Corinthians 12:12; 1 Corinthians 14:22). Jesus Christ sent and signified them, means showed them by signs or symbols the things which must come to pass. It teaches us that much of the information we will receive will be given to us in signs, that makes this word “signified” very important. Much of the truth will be communicated to us through signs, symbols and figures that makes the book of Revelation a very unusual book, so we have a legitimate right to look for symbolic events and information in this book.

The phrase “and signified it” means John indicated it by signs and symbols. The word occurs in the New Testament only in John 12:33 “signifying what death he should die”; John 18:32 “signifying what death he should die.”; John 21:19 “signifying by what death he should glorify God.”; Acts 11:28 “signified by the Spirit that there should be great dearth throughout all the world:”; Acts 25:27 “to signify the crimes laid against him.”, and in the passage before us, Revelation 1:1 “and signified it”, in all these verses it is rendered “signify, signifying, or signified.”

The symbols used in the book are symbols of futuristic reality. Figurative language used in this book is figurative of actual futuristic facts. Many times, the text in this book will explain the interpretation.

The Book of Revelation has more signs and symbols than any other book of the Bible, but those signs and symbols are explained in this book or explained in some other part of the Scriptures.

V – REVELATION OF GOD ON THE RELIABILITY OF THE WRITING OF THIS BOOK OF PROPHECY – v.2

Revelation 1:2 “Who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw.”

Apocalipsis 1:2 “na siyang sumaksi sa salita ng Diyos at sa patotoo ni Jesu-Cristo, sa lahat ng bagay na nakita niya.” FILIPINO VERSION

God reveals the reliability of the writing of Revelation.

The words “Who bare record” that is John who being honored with a so important message, he failed not to declare it faithfully but testified the Word of God, which in those prophetic visions, came unto himself, and bore the testimony of Jesus Christ as the faithful and true witness exactly whatever John saw.

There is a reference to the John’s gospel, which says in John 1:1-2 “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. ²The same was in the beginning with God”. Now, of this “Word” John did bear record. Here, Word is a title of the Lord Jesus. The term translated “Word” is logos, which basically means “the expression of a thought.” Logos can be thought of as the total message of God to man (Acts 11:1; 1 Thessalonians 2:13). Jesus embodied that total message, and that is why He is called the “Logos,” or “Word,” of God (Colossians 1:19; Colossians 2:9). John had previously written the Gospel of John, introducing Jesus to the world as the Word, God's message in human form. John bore record of the essential and eternal Word of God, God’s only begotten Son; as John the apostle did in his Gospel book, and in his epistles, and also in this book of Revelation; and which is clear evidence of John being the writer of it. John who bore witness or testified the Word of God regarded himself merely as a “witness” of what he had seen, and claimed only to make a fair and faithful “record” of it. John 21:24 “This is the disciple which “testifieth” of these things, and wrote these things,”. John 19:35 “And he that saw it bare record”. Also the apostle uses the same word about himself in this following verses 1 John 1:2 “(For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;)”; 1 John 4:14 “And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world.”.

In this verse 2, John testifies that this account of his encounter with Jesus Christ has been recorded accurately. Further, he describes the substance of his testimony as the Word of God. The book of Revelation, therefore, is the product of divine inspiration and not the product of human imagination.

John received at this time the revelation from God and is more consistent with latter part of verse 2 which says “and of all things that he saw” that was a full confirmation of the divine original of this book.

Facts that the Book of Revelation is reliable:

1.) Revelation is reliable because everything John witnesses and writes is the Word of God – “Who bare record of the Word of God.” (Testified the Word of God. John’s testimony from God – the words of prophecy).

Elsewhere as well as here, John tells us of what he bore record, that is the Word of God. We have here an indication of what the general character of Jesus teaching had been. Evidently, Jesus teaching had been a teaching emphasizing in laying the aspect of truth which is set before us in the Gospel of John and in the Epistles of John (Revelation 19:11 “was called Faithful and True”; John 1:1 “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”; John 1:14 “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.”; I John 1:1 “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life;”).

2.) Revelation is reliable because everything John witnesses and writes is the testimony of Jesus Christ. –“and of the testimony of Jesus Christ,” (Revelation 19:10 “the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.”).

The words “record,” “testimony,” “witness,” found in this verse 2 recur in the Gospel of John and Epistles of John (John 5:31 “If I bear witness of myself, my witness is not true”; John 19:35 “record is true”; John 21:24 “testimony is true”).

3.) Revelation is reliable because everything John witnesses and writes is saw personally by John. – “and of all things that he saw.”

Latin vulgate omitted the word “and.” It reads “As many things as he saw.” Because in apposition with the Word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ.

The verb here “bare record” translated “bore witness” ESV; “testified” NASB; and the verb “saw” are both aorist tense which means pointed action in past time.

John wrote everything as John went along, because John is writing on a scroll, not on individual sheets of paper. John uses the aorist (epistolary aorist) because by the time the churches would get this book of prophecy, it would be new to the churches but it was past time to John.

This verse 2 clearly made us understand that this book of Revelation is no apocalyptic (unveiling the hidden) fairytale; this is a very reliable futuristic inspired reality.

VI – RECORDS THAT GOD PROMISES A BLESSING TO THIS BOOK OF PROPHECY – v.3

Revelation 1:3 “Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein:for the time is at hand."

Apocalipsis 1:3 “Mapalad ang bumabasa at ang nakikinig ng mga salita ng propesiya at tumutupad ng mga bagay na nasusulat dito, sapagkat ang panahon ay malapit na.” FILIPINO VERSION

God promises a special blessing in regard to this prophetic book of Revelation.

Based on this verse 3, the book of Revelation is classified as a book of “prophecy.”

The word “prophecy” in Greek [προφητεια (G4394 “prophēteias”)], literally means to say before or to foretell. This book of Revelation is going to foretell the future program of God. In the case with the predictions of this book the events and history which exemplifies are both immediate and sometimes more remote.

The “prophecy” relates to the inspired human medium, John. The “Revelation” relates to the Divine Being who reveals His will that is Jesus Christ. It is a revelation with regard to Christ, who gives it; a prophecy with regard to John, who delivers it to the churches.

The word “Revelation” in Greek [αποκαλυψις (G602 “apokalupsis”) means an uncovering] which occurs only one time in the book in verse 1, but the word “prophecy” occurs seven times and four of those times are in the final chapter (Revelation 1:3; Revelation 11:6; Revelation 19:10; Revelation 22:7, 10, 18, 19). So, this book of Revelation will reveal God’s future.

There is a key feature here in verse 3, which sets this prophecy aside from another and it offers an incentive for anyone who take this book of Revelation seriously and that feature refers to the promised “blessing” of God.

The word “blessed” or “blessing” in Greek [μακαριος (G3107 “makarios”) from “makar” which means happy)], refers to a deep, inner joy and happiness that can only come from God. This word “blessing” speaks of a deep joy which occurs when someone is receiving deliverance or salvation in the program of God. Since God declared a blessing on someone so the person who is blessed is a person who is in happy state.

The three Promised blessings of Revelation 1:3:

Now, verse 3 promises to give a special blessing in three ways.

1.) “Blessed is he that readeth,” – Blessed is the person who continually reads this book of Revelation.

The verse says, “He that readeth,” in Greek [ἀναγινώσκων “ho” means “the” (G3588); “anaginōskōn” (G314) means to know certainly, know again, read – from the word “ana” and “ginóskó”], refers to someone who is public reader in church assemblies.

John sent the book, from Patmos to the seven churches, read it publicly.

This is to be understood regarding the happiness or security of the persons who are reading and hearing the prophecies of those things which were to come to pass shortly, and who took proper measures to escape from the impending evils.

This is the person who was responsible to read publicly the Revelation in the church. The special blessing is promised because God knew most people would avoid this book of prophecy.

This is the person that read, not the ordinary reader of the book, but the man whose duty was to read it aloud in public to the church.

The mysteries and difficulties of this book are united with discoveries of God, suited to impress the mind with awe, and to purify the soul of the reader, though he may not discern the prophetic meaning.

Some have miserably handled this book. That is why others are afraid to touch it. And while these people desire to know all things else, they only reject the knowledge of those things which God hath shown from this book. They inquire after anything rather than what this book of prophecy says, as if it were written, Happy is he that doth not read this prophecy. No, but happy is he that readeth, and they that hear and keep the words of this prophecy. We need to read this book of prophecy especially at this time, when so considerable a part of them is on the point of being fulfilled.

2.) “Blessed…they that hear the words of this prophecy,” – Blessed are those who continually hears Revelation.

Those are congregation of people in the church who listens to this prophetic book and focus their attention by listening to it carefully. The present tense of the participle “hear” indicates that this was done on a continual process, not just a onetime moment.

The church is at best during the days of the early church, think of their situation that they had one copy of the book so people gather at the church for the purpose of carefully listening to the Word, not a band.

The distinction here made of him that readeth and of them that hear, is remarkable, for the books, being then in manuscript, were only in the hands of the few, and it was a much easier way for them to publish a prophecy, or anything, by public reading, than by transcribing copies during those days. It was also the custom of that age to read all the apostolical writings in the congregations of the faithful. And perhaps John sent this book by a single person into Asia, who read it in the churches, while many heard. But the blessed promise in this verse 3 likewise refers to all that shall duly read or hear it in all ages.

Again, notice, “Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy,” By attention to prophecy the Christians were saved from perishing in Jerusalem; and the Jews in Babylon had hope of deliverance, and we also have hope in the latter day. The words of Daniel apply here. None of the wicked shall understand, but the wise, the purified and made white, they shall understand. Read Daniel 12:10 “Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand.”.

3.) “Blessed... keep those things which are written therein.” – Blessed are those who continually heed and guard Revelation.

The word “keep” or “heed” NASB; in Greek [τηροῦντες (G5083 tērountes) means to watch over, to guard, to keep and preserve, comes from a primary word “téros” means a guard]. God promised to give a special blessing to those who learn this book and then defend it. The future events certainly will happen regardless of what we do, but we will receive special blessing if we choose to read, hear and learn so we can defend it.

A special blessing God gives to him who reads or hears the apocalyptic "prophecy" with a mind to keeping the things (as one article combines 'they that hear and keep:' not two classes, but only one - they who not only hear, but also keep those things, Romans 2:13 “For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified.”). Thus, a person finds a stimulus to faith, hope, and patient waiting for the return of Christ.

We, then, as living actors in the world, have not only to read and hear the words of this prophecy, but to keep keep in mind and have action those principles of the divine government which preside over the development of all human history (James 1:22 “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.”). The word “keep” is in itself a proof to me that the whole fulfilment of the Apocalypse could not have been exhausted in the earliest times, nor reserved to the latest times of the Church’s history, but the whole fulfillment of its predictions are applicable in all eras. It is not enough that we read and hear, but we must keep the things that are written, in our memories, in our minds, in our affections, and in practice, and we shall be blessed in the deed.

No matter how difficult this book may appear to be, with the words of promises given in verse 3, we should not presume or we should not dare to pass over it.

Seven promised blessings in the book of Revelation:

1.) Blessed are those believers who read, hear, and guard the words of the prophecy – Revelation 1:3

Revelation 1:3 “Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.”

Certainly, one could be a believer and miss these three promised blessings in verse 3.

It is demanded therefore that we have the intense desire to understand God’s word in the book of Revelation.

2.) Blessed are those believers who die in the Lord in the Tribulation period – Revelation 14:13

Revelation 14:13 “And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.”

3.) Blessed are those believers who are righteous when the Lord returns (Identifying and distancing themselves from things demonic) – Revelation 16:15

Revelation 16:15 “Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame.”

4.) Blessed are those believers who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb – Revelation 19:9

Revelation 19:9 “And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God.”

5.) Blessed are those believers who have part in the first resurrection – Revelation 20:6

Revelation 20:6 “Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.”

6.) Blessed are those believers who obey the things found in this book – Revelation 22:7

Revelation 22:7 “Behold, I come quickly: blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book.”

Biblically, the factor of obedience will vary depending on the status of the believer. If the believer is living in the church age, the obedience factor will be seen specifically in Revelation 2 and Revelation 3. But if the believer is in living in the tribulation period, there are key obedience factors that will come into act.

7.) Blessed are those whose robes have been washed – Revelation 22:14

Revelation 22:14 “Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.”

Lots of people in the world purchased many motivational and inspirational books on a variety topic but there is no single book that gives you promise of the literal blessings of God, only the book of Revelation can do that.

Now, in the last part of verse 3 says, “for the time is at hand.” In the apostolic mind this was always true, though the restless idleness of the Thessalonians was blamed (2 Thessalonians 2:2 “That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand.”; 2 Thessalonians 3:11 “For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies.”). The spirit of vigilance and of ever readiness for both the rapture, the first phase of Jesus second coming in the air and the Revelation, the second phase of Jesus second coming bodily was enjoined (ipinag-uutos). (Romans 13:12 “The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.”; James 5:9 “Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned: behold, the judge standeth before the door.”; 2 Peter 3:8 “But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.”)

As we go along of our study through Revelation, we will realize that “the time is near.” The article “the” before the noun “time” (καιρος) means the specific season of prophetic time is set and it is near. This is either in which all prophecies shall all be fulfilled or begin to be fulfilled.

The adverb “at hand” or “near” (εγγυς) NASB, ESV, means this next prophetic time unit is very near, because it is the next time event in the program of God after the Church age.

The book of Revelation is not a book to be put on the shelf. There is practical teaching in it, it is not intended to lead us into speculation, but it is meant for practical purposes. We are to keep those things which are written therein, for the time is at hand.

For the time John wrote, it’s beginning to be accomplished is near. How much nearer to us is in other words the full accomplishment of this weighty prophecy!

These three verses that contain the introductory revelatory truths is given for the dedication to the seven churches is now commences.